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Wilkinson might profit from missing Italy match

David Hands, Rugby Correspondent

February 5 2007, 12:00am, The Times

So that’s 27 points and two passes (or, in this case, missed kicks). Clearly not good enough, so Jonny must go. Yes, there is an argument to say that Jonny Wilkinson should not be named in the starting XV against Italy at Twickenham on Saturday, though it is not one that Brian Ashton is likely to follow.

At this stage of England’s development, the coaching panel are looking no farther ahead than the next match but they are conscious that, on February 24, the third round of the RBS Six Nations Championship takes the team to play Ireland at Croke Park and that will be a telling occasion for both countries.

For which game would you most like Wilkinson to be available, Italy or Ireland?…